Aerosol spray device



Feb. 15, 1966 SHAY 3,235,126

AEROSOL SPRAY DEVICE Filed Sept. 21, 1964 f FIG. 3

IIVVENTOI? JOSEP/NSHAY w W M M ATTORNEYS.

United States Patent 3,235,126 AEROSOL SPRAY DEVICE Joseph J. Shay, Wilmington, Del., assignor to Pace, Inc, Wilmington, DeL, a corporation of Delaware Filed Sept. 21, 1964, Ser. No. 397,759 10 Claims. (Cl. 222-8tl) This invention relates to an aerosol spray device and more particularly, an aerosol spray device for dispensing a measured amount of a fluidizable material.

The present invention finds wide application when it is desired to produce and dispense a measured amount of fluidizable material. A pressurized fluid housed within a container is adapted to be placed in communication with a measured amount of fluidizable material external or" the container. The pressurized fluid mixes with the fluidizable material, entrains it, and dispenses it in a spray. The dispensed material will be a precise measured amount corresponding to the amount of fluidizable medium provided. For example, certain medicants or pharmaceutical preparations may be dispensed in measured dosages in this manner.

The aerosol spray device of the present invention is also designed to dispense corrosive materials which ordinarily'could not be dispensed from an aerosol container. These materials, when placed in solution with the pressurized fluid within the aerosol container, have the tendency to chemically react with the walls of the container. Since the corrosive fluidizable material is external of the container in the present invention, and the required mixing takes place externally of the container, the problem of dispensing corrosive aerosol mixtures is eliminated.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an aerosol spray device.

' Another object of the present invention is to provide an aerosol spray device for dispensing a metered amount of a fluid mixture.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a re-usab1e aerosol spray device for dispensing a metered amount of a fluid mixture.

A still further object of this invention is to provide an aerosol spray device for dispensing a metered amount of a fluid mixture for one application only and is expendable.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide an aerosol spray device for dispensing corrosive materials in solution.

Other objects will appear from the disclosure which follows hereinafter.

For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there are shown in the drawings forms which are presently preferred; it being understood, however, that this invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

FIGURE 1 is a side view in elevation, partly in section, of a vial comprising a component of the aerosol spray device of one form of the present invention.

FIGURE 2 is a side view in elevation, partly in section, of one embodiment of the aerosol spray device of the present invention including as a component the vial illustrated in FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 3 is a fragmentary view in side elevation, partly in section, of the aerosol spray device shown in FIGURE 2, but illustrating the manner in which a metered amount of a fluid mixture is dispensed by the device.

FIGURE 4 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view through an aerosol spray device comprising a slightly modified form of the invention.

FIGURE 5 is a view similar to FIGURE 4 but illustrating another modified form of the invention.

FIGURE 6 is a partial elevation view of another modified form of the invention.

Referring now to the drawing in detail, and in particular FIGURES 1-3, an aerosol spray device is generally indicated by the numeral 10. The spray device 10 includes a container 12 housing a pressurized fluid. The container 12 includes a top wall 14.

A spray nozzle 16 is slidable through an aperture 20 in the top wall 14 of the container 12. The nozzle 16 has a valve 22 attached to its end within the interior of the container 12. The fluid pressure within the container 12 causes the valve 22 to normally seat on a valve seat 18 formed in the top wall 14 of the container 12. A plurality of spaced apertures 24 are formed about the circumference of the nozzle 16 adjacent the valve 22. When the nozzle 16 is slid into the interior of the container 12 away from the top wall 14, as illustrated in FIGURE 3, pressurized fluid can flow between the valve 22 and valve seat 18 and enter the nozzle 16 through the spaced apertures 24. t

A flexible diaphragm 28 is adapted to be seated on top of the container 12. The diaphragm 28 includes an annular rim 29 adapted to snap over the annular bead 31 forming the circumference of the top wall 14. The diaphragm 28 includes an aperture 30 for receiving the nozzle 16.

An annular rib 26 is formed on an external portion of the nozzle 16 intermediate the diaphragm 28 and the top wall 14 of the container 12. If the diaphragm 28 is flexed in the direction of the arrows illustrated in FIG- URE 2, the diaphragm 28 will engage the annular rib 26 and slide the nozzle 16 downwardly away from the container top wall 14 and valve seat 18 against the oppos ing bias of the pressurized fluid within the container. The downward sliding movement of the nozzle 16 Will place the interior of the nozzle in communication with the pressurized fluid within the container 12. The release of the diaphragm 28 will cause the valve 22 to reseat upon the valve seat 18 under the urging of the pressurized fluid. The rib 26 will cause the diaphragm to return to its position as illustrated in FIGURE 2.

The diaphragm 28 also includes an upstanding hollow projection 32 in line with the nozzle 16. The upstanding projection 32 has a chamber 34 in communication with the nozzle 16 and surrounding a portion of the same. The projection 32 has a tapered end 44 and is threaded intermediate its ends as indicated at 4-6.

A vial 36 having a body made from a non-corrosive polymeric material such as polyethylene is adapted to be threadedly connected to the projection 32.. The vial 36 is internally threaded at one of its ends as indicated at 48. The threads 43 are adapted to mate with the threads 46 on the projection 32. Other quick-connect means may be utilized instead of threads. The vial also includes a pair of spaced, frangible or otherwise expendable disks 38 and 4t) intermediates its ends. The space between the disks 38 and 40 forms a compartment for the reception of fluidizable material, such as powder 42.

When the vial 36 is threadedly connected to the threads 46 on the projection 32, the tapered end of the projection 32 fractures or ruptures the bottom disk 38 and places the powder 42 in communication with the chamber 34 and the nozzle 16.

After the vial is threadedly connected to the projection 32, the diaphragm 23 may be flexed to allow the pressurized fluid within the container 12 to enter the vial 36 and mix with the powder 42. The pressure of the fluid mixture Within vial 36 will continue to increase until fracture or blow-out of the top disk 40 occurs. When fracture or blow-out occurs, the fluid mixture within vial 36 will be dispensed and aerosolized.

The powder 42 betweeen the frangible disks 38 and 40 of the vial 36 constitutes a precise metered amount of fluidizable material. Hence, the resultant mixture which is dispensed from the spray device will be a precise measured amount. The powder 42 may comprise a material which is corrosive with respect to the metal material from which container 12 is formed or becomes corrosive with respect thereto when placed in solution with the pressurized fluid within the container 12. However, in its granular state in the vial 36, it is not corrosive. An example of such a corrosive material is powdered tear gas or tear gas adsorbed onto other powdered materials. Therefore, a corrosive mixture may be dispensed by the spray device 10 without any effect on the container 12. Once the material 42 has been dispensed, the empty vial 36 is removed, discarded, and replaced by another vial 36. In this manner, the spray device is adapted to dispense metered amounts of a fluid mixture in rapid fashion and with a minimum of expense.

Referring now to FIGURE 4, a slightly modified form of a spray device generally indicated by the numeral is illustrated. The spray device 51) includes an aerosol container 52 housing a pressurized fluid. The container 52 has a top wall 54.

Extending through an aperture in the top wall 54 is a nozzle 56. Secured to the nozzle 56 at one end is a valve 60 normally urged up against a valve seat 58 formed inthe container top wall 54. A plurality of circumferentially spaced apertures 62 are formed in the nozzle 56 adjacent to the valve 60. A metered amount of powdered material 66 is housed within the nozzle 56. A frangible or otherwise expendable disk 64 closes the nozzle 66 to the atmosphere.

A nozzle actuator comprising an annular rib or flange 68 is secured externally to the nozzle 56 intermediate its ends. When a force is applied to the rib 68 as indicated by the arrows in FIGURE 4, the nozzle 56 will he slid into the interior of the container 52 away from the top Wall 54. This will place the interior of the nozzle in communication with the pressurized fluid within the container '52. The pressurized fluid within the container 52 will enter the nozzle through the apertures 62 in the same manner as in the spray device 10. The pressurized fluid will mix with the powder 66 to form a fluid mixture. The pressure within the nozzle 66 will increase until the desk 64 is fractured or blown-out and then the fluid mixture will be dispensed.

The spray device 50 can only be used for one application and is entirely expendable. However, the immediate objectives of the invention are attained since the powder 66 constitutes a metered amount and may be corrosive in solution. The powder 66 is mixed with the pressurized fluid from within the container 52 and dispensed in a spray as a fluid mixture.

Referring now to FIGURE 5, another modified form of the spray device is generally indicated by the numeral 70. The spray device 70 includes a Container 72 housing a pressurized fluid. The container 72 includes a top wall 74.

A nozzle 76 is slidable through an aperture in the top wall 74. Secured to one end of the nozzle 76 is a, valve 80 normally biased by the pressurized fluid within the container 72 up against a valve seat 78. As in the other embodiments of the invention, the nozzle 76 includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced apertures 82 for placing the interior of the nozzle 76 in communication with the pressurized fluid within the container 72 if the nozzle is slid away from the top wall 74.

A flexible diaphragm 86 is seated on the top wall of the container '72 in exactly the same manner as the diaphragm 28 seats on the container 12. An annular rib 84 is formed on the external portion of the nozzle 76 intermediate the diaphragm 86 and the top wall 74. Upon flexure of the diaphragm 86, the diaphragm will contact the rib 84 and slide the nozzle 76 downwardly into the interior of the container 72 to place the interior of the nozzle in communication with the pressurized fluid within the container 72.

Integral with the diaphragm 86 is a vial 96. The vial 96 includes a frangible or blow-out disk 94 closing one of its ends. The portion 96 of the diaphragm 86 beneath the vial 90 is also frangible and may be considered a frangibile disk for closing the opposite end of the vial. Powdered or other fluidizable material 92 is provided between disk 4 and the diaphragm portion 96 in a precise metered amount.

When the diaphragm 86 is seated on the top wall 74, the nozzle 76 will pierce the diaphragm portion 96. The nozzle will thus be placed in communication with the fluidizable material 92 within the vial 90. Subsequent flexure of the diaphragm 86 will cause the nozzle to move away from the top wall 74, allowing pressurized fluid to enter the vial 9t and mix with the powder 92. The build-up of pressure within the vial 90 will cause the disk 94 to fracture or blow-out and the contents of the vial can be dispensed in a fluid mixture.

After the contents of the vial 90 have been dispensed, it is only necessary to replace the vial 90 and diaphragm 86 by another integral diaphragm and vial. A precise metered amount of a fluid mixture is dispensed from the spray device 79 and the material 92 can be corrosive when placed in solution.

While the fluidizable material in the vials of the various embodiments of the invention has been indicated as powdered material, it should also be understood that the material may be liquid. The vials and diaphragms of the various embodiments of the invention may be constructed from plastic or rubber materials.

The dispensing action of the pressurized fluid need not be predicated on a sliding or reciprocating valve member. In FIGURE 6 there is illustrated a container 190 having a nozzle 104 coupled thereto by means of a flexible tube 102. The dispensing action of the pressurized fluid in container 100 is effected by applying pressure against nozzle 104 to tilt the same. The internal details of a tiltable dispensing nozzle are well-known to those skilled in the art and therefore need not be described herein. Nozzle 104 has external threads 106 adapted to mate with threads 48 on vial 36. Otherwise, the embodiment in FIGURE 6 is a multi-shot spray device capable of being used in the same manner as device 10.

The present invention has other applications in addition to those mentioned above. In many chemical re- -actions, it is desirable to be able to mix measured amounts of materials. It is often desired to dispense measured amounts of pharmaceuticals or medicines. Thus, the fluidizable materials 42, 66 or 92 may be a chemical catalyst or a medicine to be sprayed on a body or a germicide to be sprayed in controlled metered amounts.

Also, the fluidizable materials 42, 66 or 92 may be a material consittuting one component of a multi-component mixture wherein the components are not to be mixed until applied. Thus, the fluidizable materials may be a powder to be mixed with a liquid under pressure in containers 12, 52 or 72 to form a conventional epoxy resin. Such multi-component epoxy resins which immediately harden when mixed are well-known.

Thus, the material 42 in vial 36 may be an organic nitrogen compound such as an aromatic or aliphatic amine which is a curing agent for the epoxy resin in container 12 to form an adduct or complex therewith.

Except where the pressurized fluid in the containers includes one component of a mixture, the pressurized fluid may be a non-toxic gas such as carbon dioxide or a fluoro-carbon or a hydro-carbon. The containers 12, 52 or 72 may have a conventional dip tube. When the dip tube is provided, generally liquefied fluoroor hydrocarbon gases are used.

It will be appreciated that fire hazards and shipping dangers may be significantly reduced by the present invention. Also, refrigeration problems may be simpler, cheaper and easier. For example, only the perishable materials 42 or 92 need be refrigerated while their respective container need only be free from excess heat. Thus, it is cheaper to refrigerate the small vial 36 as opposed to the entire container 12.

As used hereinafter, the pressurized fluid in the container is to be interpreted as referring to liquids, gases and/or mixtures of liquids and gases.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof and, accordingly, reference should be made to the appended claims, rather than to the foregoing specification as indicating the scope of the invention.

Iclaim:

1. A spray device for dispensing a measured amount of a fluid mixture, said device comprising a container having a top, a pressurized fluid within said container, a spray nozzle movable supported by said container top, selectively operable valve means between one end of said nozzle and the interior of said container for communicating said nozzle with said pressurized fluid in response to movement of said nozzle with respect to said container top, a flexible diaphragm seated on said container top, said diaphragm including an aperture, the other end of said nozzle extending through said aperture, an external annular rib on said nozzle intermediate said flexible diaphragm and container top adapted to be contacted by said diaphragm upon flexure to slide said nozzle in said container top, a contained, measured amount of a fluidizable material in communication with the other end of said nozzle, and a vial separate and apart from said nozzle containing said fluidizable material, said vial being connected to said diaphragm in such a manner that the fluidizable material within said vial is placed in communication with the other end of said nozzle, whereby flexure of said diaphragm will cause said nozzle to move into said container to place said pressurized fluid in communication with said nozzle, thereby allowing said pressurized fluid to pass through said nozzle, mix with said fluidizable material, and dispense it in a spray.

2. A spray device in accordance with claim 1 wherein said connection between said diaphragm and vial is a threaded connection whereby said vial may be removed and replaced.

3. A spray device in accordance with claim 2 wherein said vial includes an expendable disk at each end, and said diaphragm includes means for rupturing one of said disks as said vial is threadedly connected to said diaphragm.

4. A spray device in accordance with claim 1 wherein said vial is integral with said diaphragm and includes a disk at each end, said nozzle piercing one of said disks and entering said vial when said diaphragm is seated on said container top.

5. An attachment for a dispensing device comprising a flexible diaphragm adapted to be seated] on a container of pressurized fluid, an aperture through said diaphragm for receiving a spray nozzle on said container which is adapted to dispense said pressurized fluid, a vial connected to said diaphragm in line with said aperture, said vial including an expendable disk closing each of its ends, and a measured amount of fluidizable material between said disks adapted to be mixed with the pressurized fluid dispensed from said spray nozzle.

6. An attachment in accordance with claim 5 wherein said fluidizable material is corrosive.

7. An attachment in accordance with claim 5 wherein said vial is integral with said diaphragm.

8. An attachment in accordance with claim 5 wherein said connection between said diaphragm and vial is a threaded connection whereby said vial may be removed and replaced.

9. An attachment in accordance with claim 8 wherein said diaphragm includes means for rupturing one of said disks as said vial is threadedly connected to said diaphragm.

10. An attachment for a dispensing device comprising means for attaching a vial to a container of pressurized fluid, said means extending radially outwardly from said vial, aperture means on said attaching means for receiving a nozzle through which pressurized fluid is to be dispensed, said vial including an expendable closure at each of its ends, and a measured amount of fluidizable material between said closures adapted to be mixed with the pressurized fluid dispensed from said spray nozzle.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,864,505 6/1932 McCormick 222-193 1,994,294 3/ 1935 Williams 43-147 X 2,151,418 3/1939 Bolte 128265 2,625,302 1/1953 Mahoney 222-327 X 2,759,768 8/1956 Sato 239-309 3,119,561 1/1964 Wilson 222-399 X 3,162,332 12/1964 Hayim 222193 LOUIS J. DEMBO, Primary Examiner. 

1. A SPRAY DEVICE FOR DISPENSING A MEASURED AMOUNT OF A FLUID MIXTURE, SAID DEVICE COMPRISING A CONTAINER HAVING A TOP, A PRESSURIZED FLUID WITHIN SAID CONTAINER, A SPRAY NOZLE MOVABLE SUPPORTED BY SAID CONTAINER TOP, SELECTIVELY OPERABLE VALVE MEANS BETWEEN ONE END OF SAID NOZZLE AND THE INTERIOR OF SAID CONTAINER FOR COMMUNICATING SAID NOZZLE WITH SAID PRESSURIZED FLUID IN RESPONSE TO MOVEMENT OF SAID NOZZLE WITH RESPECT TO SAID CONTAINER TOP, A FLEXIBLE DIAPHRAGM SEATED ON SAID CONTAINER TOP, SAID DIAPHRAGM INCLUDING AN APERTURE, THE OTHER END OF SAID NOZZLE EXTENDING THROUGH SAID APERTURE, AN EXTERNAL ANNULAR RIB ON SAID NOZZLE INTERMEDIATE SAID FLEXIBLE DIAPHRAGM AND CONTAINER TOP ADAPTED TO BE CONTACTED BY SAID DIAPHRAGM UPON FLEXURE TO SLIDE SAID NOZZLE IN SAID CONTAINER TOP, A CONTAINED, MEASURED AMOUNT OF A FLUIDIZABLE MATERIAL IN COMMUNICATION WITH THE OTHER END OF SAID NOZZLE, AND A VIAL SEPARATE AND APART FROM SAID NOZZLE CONTAINING SAID FLUIDIZABLE MATERIAL, AND VIAL BEING CONNECTED TO SAID DIAPHRAGM IN SUCH A MANNER THAT THE FLUIDIZABLE MATERIAL WITHIN SAID VIAL IS PLACED IN COMMUNICATION WITH THE OTHER END OF SAID NOZZLE, WHEREBY FLEXURE OF SAID DIAPHRAGM WILL CAUSE SAID NOZZLE TO MOVE INTO SAID CONTAINER TO PLACE SAID PRESSURIZED FLUID IN COMMUNICATION WITH SAID NOZZLE, THEREBY ALLOWING SAID PRESSURIZED FLUID TO PASS THROUGH SAID NOZZLE, MIX WITH SAID FLUIDIZABLE MATERIAL, AND DISPENSE IT IN A SPRAY. 